Commentary Detail

Recently, Missouriís House of Representatives passed HB 668. It would permit the carrying of concealed weapons on college campuses. Gary Forsee, University of Missouri System president released a statement criticizing the proposed new law stating the it would place members of the University of Missouri family and campus law enforcement officers in harmís way. Dr. Henry Givens, president, Harris-Stove State University, publicly expressed his concerns regarding this proposed law.

Having spent 40 years in university administration and teaching, I understand the fears of presidents Forsee and Givens. Contrary to the opinion of several state legislators, if this law is enacted it will make college campuses much more dangerous. It would encourage students to bring guns on campus to classrooms, residence halls, fraternity houses, and athletic events. This would produce a bad mix with alcohol, drugs, and immaturity. Easy access to weapons could lead to an enraged student killing someone over a grade, breakup with a significant other, or an argument with another student. There is no evidence that lives would have been saved during the Virginia Tech massacre had students been permitted to carry concealed weapons on that campus.

I believe that this proposed law should not be passed by the General Assembly.

(The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of St. Louis Public Radio.)

Lowe "Sandy" MacLean is vice chancellor emeritus, University of Missouri, St. Louis, and is active in local political and community organizations, including the Grand Order of Pachyderms (GOP), a service organization for the Republican Party.